QUEER 4 QUEER

Welcome to Queer 4 Queer, our LGBTQIA+ dedicated peer mentoring service on the Sunshine Coast.

Like Peer 4 Peer, everyone who works for us has (or has had) a mental illness. As well, everyone that works for Queer 4 Queer is also a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The LGBTQIA+ community has always struggled with accessible and inclusive mental health care. Often, Queer people seek treatment from places that will not or cannot acknowledge the unique experiences that come with being an LGBTQIA+ individual.

Our peer workers will understand you because we have been there too. Connection, validation, and belonging are essential aspects of mental health. Especially for Queer people who lack a supportive family or friendship circle, it is beneficial to have an ongoing, trusting relationship such as with a Peer Mentor.

How we can help?

We offer you a safe, honest relationship free of stigma or judgement. When you are in a peer support relationship, it should feel relaxed and empowering. Your Peer Mentor is there to listen, to support you, and to encourage you to reach for your dreams.

Are you:

Suffering in silence?
Scared of the stigma?
Wanting to stay out of the system?
Needing someone to confide in?
Need someone who understands?

We’d love to talk to you about how we can help you be your best.

Why is Queer 4 Queer so important?

There is currently nowhere in Australia that a Queer person can seek an in-person,1:1 peer mentor with lived experience in the LGBTQIA+ community. This is needed for several reasons, as current research highlights:

Around 75% of LGBTQIA+ people over 18 have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and 50% had been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition in the last 12 months. This makes LGBTQIA+ people 2.5 times more likely than the general population to have a mental health condition.(1)

Queer individuals will under-utilise services or put off treatment in fear of stigma, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. This can include things like abuse, lack of community knowledge, understanding and sensitivity, and misgendering and misnaming. These are all significant barriers to treatment. (2)
Family acceptance can have a significant positive impact on mental health for LGBTQIA+ individuals;

Connections that are understanding and respectful are important factors in positive mental wellbeing. (2) People accessing LGBTQIA+ specific mental health services experience higher rates of acceptance and validation than mainstream mental health services, with around 90% of people feeling their sexuality is extremely respected in LGBTQIA+ specific mental health services.

Only 3.8% of the LGBTQIA+ community accesses these specific mental health services,(3) suggesting that there is a significant gap in the number of services that are accessible and cater directly for the Queer community.

1. 2021. SNAPSHOT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION STATISTICS FOR
LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE. [PDF] LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. Available at:
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/lgbtihealth/pages/549/attachments/original/16208717
03/2021_Snapshot_of_Mental_Health2.pdf1620871703> [Accessed 16 February 2022].

2. Carman, M., Rosenberg, S., Bourne, A. and Parsons, M., 2020. Research Matters: Why do
we need LGBTIQ-inclusive services?. [PDF] Rainbow Health Victoria.
Available at: https://www.rainbowhealthvic.org.au/media/pages/research-resources/research-matters-
why-do-we-need-lgbtiq-inclusive-services/3898382955-1614819704/research-matters-lgbtq-
inclusive-services.pdf; [Accessed 16 February 2022].

3. O. Hill, A., Bourne, A., McNair, R., Carman, M. and Lyons, A., 2020. PRIVATE LIVES 3 THE
HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF LGBTIQ PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA. [ebook] Melbourne:
Latrobe University. Available at: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1185885/Private-Lives-3.pdf
[Accessed 16 February 2022].